Hazing Death Leads to Manslaughter Charges

Those responsible for the hazing death of a Florida A&M University drum major were recently charged with manslaughter. The hazing incident occurred in 2011; the male drum major who was part of the University's Marching 100 Band was beaten to death by band members aboard a bus in a hazing ritual. Those band members responsible were initially charged with third-degree felony hazing but have since been slapped with more serious second-degree manslaughter charges, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. The drum major, who was found unresponsive by emergency responders, died of internal bleeding.

Following the incident, the Florida University suspended the entire marching band. The drum major's parents later filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the school. In South Carolina, hazing is defined as "the wrongful striking, laying open hand upon, threatening with violence, or offering to do bodily harm" with the "intent to punish or injure." It is further described in law as "tyrannical, abusive, shameful, insulting, or humiliating." 44 states have anti-hazing laws in place. More than 100 student deaths have occurred due to hazing in the U.S. since the 1950s.

Charleston Personal Injury Law Group

Preventable injuries sustained through hazing rituals may lead to an injury claim or wrongful death suit as in the case above. Those who cause such injuries and deaths are not only in violation of criminal laws but may be held accountable for damages to the injured or their survivors. Injuries caused through such negligent behavior can lead to medical expenses and other damages, such as pain and suffering.

McLeod Law Group, LLC is a personal injury firm based in Charleston, South Carolina with a team of legal professionals who have obtained more than $50 million in verdicts and settlements for their clients. The firm handles all types of personal injury cases, including those based on auto accidents, medical malpractice, dangerous prescription drugs, catastrophic injuries, premises liability cases, and more. Lead attorney McLeod has been featured on many news programs regarding personal injury legal matters and has been named as a Top Trial Lawyer in America. If you need to seek legal recourse through an injury claim or lawsuit, contact the firm to discuss your case as soon as possible.